Streamlined Curtain Guide: Elevate Your Home with the Perfect Length and Style
Quickly measure your curtains' perfect fit: Assess the ideal length of your window coverings with this straightforward paper test.
Got some windowpanes staring back at you, yearning for a touch of glamour and a hint of privacy? Perfect! Watch this space as we clue you in on the ideal curtain length and the right style to unleash your inner design diva. Whether you're a whizz in the art of DIY or a total beginner, we've got you covered.
So, what should the perfect length for your curtains be? Believe it or not, your new best friends in furnishing decor are Amy Switzer and Shay Holland, two interior whizzes who've got a world of wisdom to share.
What's the Ideal Curtain Length?
It's all about balance, people! If you've been tossing the term "kiss the floor" around in your head, you're on the right track. According to Amy Switzer, the mastermind behind chic velvet curtains at Two Pages, you should embrace that advice—but only most of the time! The secret to a tailor-made, polished appearance is having curtains that barely brush the floor without an unsightly puddle.
For a touch more drama or a nod to tradition, go for a more pronounced "puddle" effect by selecting panels with a bit of extra fabric to dangle 1-4 inches below the floor. Meanwhile, modern living rooms or high-traffic areas benefit from skimming the floor by about half an inch.
Your household needs, too, will guide your curtain decision. If you've got pets or kiddos, you might want to go for skimming curtains to deter naughty claws and sticky fingers.
And, a word of caution, Shay Holland, interior designer and HGTV host, warns against exaggerating the puddle effect. "Most homes aren't formal enough these days for buckets of fabric draped on the floor!" After all, we're trying to dazzle, not transform your corner into an old-school drawing room!
PRO TIP: Slip a sheet of paper under your curtains to gauge if they're too long. If it doesn't fit, it's time for a trim!
Nail Your Curtain Installation in 5 Easy Steps
Going big with your window treatment choices is crucial. And choosing the right curtains? That's where you really shine, my friend! Just follow these five steps to conquer your dream curtains:
- Choose width: Go wide. Aim for draperies that can extend completely off the window when open. You might need an additional panel or two to achieve the perfect width.
- Consider fabric behavior: Natural fabrics like linen can shrink after washing, so allow for a bit of wiggle room with your measurements.
- Carefully measure multiple spots: Make sure to factor in any differences in floor height and the impact of set-in mounting hardware. Don't forget to account for curtain rings and other accessories.
- Install the rod as high as possible (4-8 inches above the window frame) to make your space appear taller and your curtains seem more elegant.
- Measure the distance from the rod to the point where you'd like your curtains to end—floor, just above it, or pooling. From here, you can customize your curtains to fit your style, space, and lifestyle needs.
Quick Kitchen Tips:- Pick wide curtains wider than the window for maximum effect.- Consider fabric shrinkage, as natural materials may contract after washing.- Mount the rod at least 4 inches above the window for the best overall look.- Adapt the length based on your home style (modern or high-traffic areas may benefit from skimming the floor, while more formal spaces can accommodate a puddle effect).- Account for uneven floors and be prepared to cut or sew your curtains to meet your specific needs.- Informally elegant, modern, high-traffic, or formal – there's a curtain length for every vibe. With careful measuring and customization, your window treatment dreams can become a reality!
- To give your home a polished and elevated look, follow the advice of interior designers Amy Switzer and Shay Holland when deciding the ideal length for your curtains.
- Balance is key in choosing the perfect curtain length. Aim for curtains that barely brush the floor, but also consider a more pronounced "puddle" effect if you want to add drama or a traditional touch.
- For modern living rooms or high-traffic areas, choose curtains that skim the floor by about half an inch to prevent unnecessary dirt and damage.
- When selecting curtains for homes with pets or children, opt for skimming curtains to discourage pets' claws and kids' sticky fingers. however, be mindful not to overdo the puddle effect, as advised by Shay Holland, to avoid transforming your space into an old-fashioned drawing room.
